Ever since its founding by the Spanish in 1535, and during the Viceroyalty of Peru, Lima has been a political and cultural center of the New World. The proof is in the historic center, where centuries-old churches, convents, and magnificent homes with elegant balconies have been preserved—representing an enchanting array of renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles. At every turn, the historic center reveals a unique combination of modernization and history, plus a dynamic culinary scene and cultural attractions like the Oro del Perú museum of pre-Columbian jewels and artifacts.